May 27, 2021

Roanoke Valley Associathion of REALTORS  
    ROANOKE VALLEY REALTOR® ONLINE   

   You are receiving this online enewsletter as a benefit of being a member
   of the Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS®. 
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MEMBER TYPE / COUNTcount

REALTOR®           1475Membership Update Logo
Offices                     145
Affiliate                   289
 
Click here to see which RVAR members have switched firms, gone inactive, or joined recently.
 
 
 
 
 
 
As we continue to celebrate our 100th anniversary together as an association and a community, we need your help spreading the word. A social media toolkit has been developed for all members to actively participate and engage in the celebration with images, pre-written social media posts, and more, which can be shared on your personal and professional social accounts. For more information and to use the toolkit, visit www.rvar100.com.  
 
Join RVAR's BOD in 2022bod   
Interested in a leadership role in RVAR? Are you ready to give back to the REALTOR® community? Do you have fresh ideas for change?

RVAR's Board of Directors has announced the following leadership openings for 2022: President-elect, Vice President and 3 Director positions. The process for applying for a Director or Officer position is simple:
  • The application period begins Monday, August 2nd and ends on Thursday, October 1st.
  • A period of RVAR membership is required in order to apply: 2 years for Directors, 3 years for Vice President and 4 years for President-elect.
  • No more than 2 members from the same firm may serve at the same time on the Board of Directors, with the exception of the Immediate Past President.
  • All applicants must meet the following objective criteria:
          * Must have served on an RVAR Committee, Work Group etc. within the previous 10 years;
          * No Virginia Real Estate Board violation within the previous 2 years;
          * No Code of Ethics violation within the previous 2 years.
 
The Board is a hardworking body of 12 REALTORS® who set policy for RVAR. The group meets 10 times each year to consider issues, set the direction and manage the funds of the Association. If you are interested or have any questions about the requirements and benefits of serving on the Board of Directors, please contact President  Walter Grewe or CEO Laura Benjamin.

Slated to continue their service on the 2022 Board will be: President Ashley Donahue (Wainwright & Co.); Immediate Past President Walter Grewe (Wainwright & Co.); and Directors Dana Berenbaum (MKB); Jay Kilby (RE/MAXAll Stars); Julie Kingery (Mountain to Lake Realty); and Todd Wampler (Century 21 Wampler Realty).  
FlexMLS Notice:  Internet Explorer No Longer Supportedflex 
Effective May 31st, the Internet Explorer web browser will no longer be supported for use with the FlexMLS system. Internet Explorer is no longer being actively developed by Microsoft and is used by only a small percentage of FlexMLS users.

If you are currently using Internet Explorer, FlexMLS recommends that you start using a supported browser as soon as possible.
FlexMLS works best with the most current version of Edge, Chrome, Safari or Firefox.

Ending support means that FlexMLS cannot guarantee that its system will work properly with Internet Explorer. FlexMLS recommends that you use a recommended browse AND run the most up-to-date version of your browser for security reasons. 
Buyer Portal Videoportal 
Do you set up portals in FlexMLS for your buyers to use? Check out this brief, step by step video to learn how to use buyer portals. And share the video link with your buyers, too.
 
 
Thank you to Shannon Hall (BHHS Premier) for creating this video. Shannon is a member of RVAR's Technology Committee.  
Check Your Listings for These Common Errorserrors 
Since January 1st, 175 error reports have been submitted through FlexMLS. The FlexMLS 'error report' button, which appears in the upper right hand corner of each listing, was renamed 'check listing' in April.
 
The most common errors / issues reported so far this year are:
 
45 = Wrong data (wrong area, schools, taxes, style, #beds/baths, mapping, attached vs. detached, residential vs. land type)
 
24 = Photos (Listing agent sign in photo, missing front photo) REMINDER: Photos submitted to the MLS must NOT show a yard sign or have any office or agent promotion. Also, one photo must show the front view of the property, which must be entered at the time the listing is entered into the MLS (though does not have to be the primary photo.) For Land listings, the front view photo can be a street view, aerial or drone view or Lake view.
 
13 = Wrong SQFT
 
11 = Cannot use Listing Agent phone # for Owner phone # If you do not wish to enter the Owner's phone # in the MLS, you can enter zeroes in that field.
 
8 = Cannot be shown The MLS does NOT allow a listing to be entered into the MLS system in an Active status unless the listing is available to be shown.Consider entering the listing in the Coming Soon status if the property is not yet ready to be shown. 
 
7 = Missing data (Owner's legal name, directions, Owner's phone # when showing instructions are to call Seller)
FlexMLS: The Power of the Searchpower  
Plan to join RVAR's Tech Committee Thursday, June 17th 11:30AM-1:00PM, for its next Lunch & Learn session. Whether you are a FlexMLS veteran or are new to FlexMLS, learn how to maximize the search function in FlexMLS. Instructor Bob Chandler (Chair of RVAR's Tech Committee) will share tips on using the FlexMLS Quick Search, including creating customized Quick Search templates.  
 
This hybrid class offers two attendance options: Limited seating for in-person attendance OR attendance via Zoom.  
 
NAR Member Profile - How Do You Compare?nar   
NAR recently surveyed a sampling of REALTORS® nationwide to determine the characteristics of today's typical REALTOR®. Eight years of experience, 10 transaction sides in 2020, with median gross income of $43,330. Click here to check out how you compare. 
ACT NOW: Protect Your Real Estate Licenseact 
Virginia REALTORS® encourages all REALTORS® to make sure your real estate license requirements, continuing education and fees are current so you can continue to do business after Virginia rescinds the COVID-19 Executive Orders. 
 
Early in the pandemic, DPOR announced that it was extending deadlines and temporarily waiving regulations during the declared state of emergency. As Virginia begins to roll back pandemic restrictions, you need to be prepared. Though the exact date is not known, the Executive Order will be rescinded soon. 
 
If you have NOT completed your license requirements, this means you will have to take all mandatory CE and pay any late fees associated with failing to renew your license on time. If you wait until the end of the state of emergency, you may encounter a delay at DPOR - as DPOR will likely be facing a significant number of renewal applications. VAR cautions that "it is unlikely that licensees can operate while waiting for DPOR to work through the backlog that may come from people waiting." 
econ The "Economic Update" presents updates on timely topics that have an impact on you and your business.  
 
Philip Thompson, Director of Planning for Roanoke County, will be our guest presenter for the June Economic Update. Philip will give us an update on Roanoke County's 419/Tanglewood Plan, Hollins Plan, and the Oak Grove Plan. He will also provide us with a few other County updates that are being developed.   
 
The "Economic Update" will be held on Tuesday, June 15th via Zoom. The presentation will begin at 9:00AM with a brief welcome followed by Philip's presentation and include time for questions & answers. We should conclude no later than 10:00AM.   
 
Click here to register or contact the RVAR office. Once you are registered, the Zoom meeting link will be sent to you in a reminder email a few days prior to the meeting.  
 
The "Economic Update" has the goal of providing local, informative presentations regarding topics that affect you and your business. All REALTOR® and Affiliate members are encouraged to attend.  
Save The Date...save  
Family Fun Night 
 
Join us on Thursday, August 5 for our Family Fun Night with the Salem Red Sox.
Tickets go on sale in June.  
 
2021 REALTOR® & Affiliate Night  
 
What's your favorite game? Board Game? Game Show? Game of Chance?
The RVAR Affiliate Committee is proud to announce the 2021 REALTOR® & Affiliate Night will be held on Tuesday, October 12 at Hidden Valley Country Club.  The theme for this year is Game Night!  
Tickets go on sale in August!   
 
 
2021 RVAR Golf Classic 
Make plans to join us for the 2021 RVAR Golf Classic to be held on Friday, September 10 at the Roanoke Country Club
Registration will begin in June.   
 
 
The RVAR Spring Golf Tournament
 
Congratulations to our RVAR Spring Golf Tournament winners! And a huge THANKS to all of the participants, volunteers and especially our Partner/Sponsors for making it such a great event!  
Virginia REALTORS® Committees for 2022 cmtee  
The Virginia REALTORS® is always looking for great volunteers to serve on its Committees. VAR is now accepting applications for 2022 Committee volunteers. Expand your horizons by working with REALTORS® from across the state. Click here to learn more about the Committee options and/or submit your application. The deadline to apply is June 30th. Questions? Contact RVAR's CEO Laura Benjamin. 
VAR Summer Seriesvar   
 
Virginia REALTORS® is excited to announce its first-ever Summer Speaker Series! Three fantastic speakers will share business tools, insights on navigating current market challenges and a WHOLE lot of motivation! Registration is just $15 for each session.

VAR's 2021 Summer Speaker Series kicks off on June 8th, 2-3:30PM, with always-popular Leigh Brown. Leigh's energy-packed presentation will be A New Real Estate Year: Fresh/Focused/Forward exploring why REALTORS® need to stay ahead of the curve in these ever-changing times. The session will include a live Q&A. Click here to register.

The rest of the series features:
July 13th (2-3:30PM)  Rick Geha: A Real Estate Agent for All Seasons

August 10th (2-3:30PM) Marki Lemons-Ryhal: The Modern Real Estate Professional's Guide to Success 
 
Upcoming Educationed 
Virtual GRI Classes: RVAR has partnered with Virginia REALTORS® to offer virtual GRI classes throughout 2021. Each class is offered in two half-day sessions. Below are the classes offered through the end of August. Click here for the complete 2021 GRI calendar.    
 
GRI 501 Agency in Virginia
June 29th        9:00AM-12:30PM
June 30th        9:00AM-12:30PM
Instructor:      Doug Wolfe
 
This course will provide a detailed guide on important issues dealing with agency. Topics include brokerage relationships, agency disclosure, confidentiality and Code of Ethics requirements.  
CE Approved = 3 hours Real Estate Agency; 3 hours Real Estate Related; PL Approved - 3 hours VA Agency Law. Click here to register.

GRI 508 Real Estate Law & Virginia Regulations
July 22nd        9:00AM-12:30PM
July 23rd         9:00AM-12:30PM
Instructor:      Doug Wolfe 
 
This course offers the most up-to-date Virginia law changes and Virginia Real Estate Board regulations.  CE Approved = 8 hours Legal Updates with Flood Content; PL Approved = 6 hours Real Estate Law & Board Regulations. Click here to register.
 
GRI 506 Risk Management
August 4th     9AM-12:30PM
August 5th     9AM-12:30PM 
Instructor:      Nancy Pav
 
Students will get a crash course on risk management, escrow, equal services, environmental concerns, and state and federal regulations such as lead paint and antitrust. CE Approved = 6 hours Legal Update with Flood Content; PL Approved = 3 hours Risk Management and 3 hours Escrow Requirements. Click here to register.
 
GRI 505 Working with Sellers
August 24th     9AM-12:30PM
August 25th     9AM-12:30PM
Instructor:        Jeff Wu
 
Students will learn proven strategies for lead generation for Sellers, plus tips for listing presentations and marketing listings. PL Approved = 2 hours Current Industry Issues / Trends.  Click here to register. 
Our RVAR Familyfamily    
Sympathy
RVAR offers its condolences to Sonya Dickinson of MKB, REALTORS® upon the death of her mother and to Chris Nininger of Bugman Exterminating upon the death of his son.

 
Let RVAR know if you have news to share. 
Upcoming Eventsevents   
 
May 31st
RVAR Office Closed for Memorial Day Holiday
June 8th
VAR's Summer Series - Leigh Brown
June 15th
Economic Update - Phillip Thompson
June 17th
Tech Lunch & Learn: Power of the Search
June 29th & 30th
GRI 501 Agency in Virginia
July 5th
RVAR Office Closed for July 4th Holiday
July 22nd & 23rd
GRI 508 Real Estate Law & Virginia Regulations
August 2nd
Applications for 2022 BOD now accepted
August 4th & 5th
GRI 506 Risk Management
August 5th
Family Fun Night with Salem Red Sox
August 24th & 25th
GRI 505 Working with Sellers
 
Roanoke Valley Association of REALTORS® 
Proudly Recognizes Our 2021 Partner / Sponsorspartner 
 
Platinum Level Partner / Sponsor
 

    
Contact:

ROANOKE VALLEY
ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
  |  540.772.0526